MPs to look at anti-semitism rise

MPs to look at anti-semitism rise

Wednesday 16 November 2005 20.47 EST
First published on Wednesday 16 November 2005 20.47 EST

MPs yesterday launched an all-party inquiry into anti-semitism amid fears that incidents have reached record levels.

Denis MacShane, the former minister for Europe, will lead the investigation, which will take submissions from groups and members of the public as well as oral evidence during sessions at the House of Commons.

Earlier this year the Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, warned that anti-semitism was rising to "uncomfortable levels". There were 532 anti-semitic incidents last year, the highest number since records began in 1984. Dr Sacks has warned that even speeches by public figures appear to contain "undertones of anti-semitism".

Mr MacShane said many British Jews were living with an unacceptable level of anxiety and discomfort. "They are forced to spend much-needed resources on securing their schools, places of worship and community centres."

John Mann, chairman of the parliamentary committee against anti-semitism, said the problem had moved into the mainstream. "Anti-semitism is back in fashion," he said. "It was once considered solely a problem of the far right, but this is no longer the case."

He said the "liberal and progressive left" could not absolve itself. "With the levels of anti-semitic incidents at their highest for over a generation, an investigation of this type is much needed and overdue."

The committee requires written submissions by December 30. A report will be published next spring.